Online English Learning and Adult Employability in Brazil: A Thematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7719/irj.v26i1.1006Keywords:
online English learning, adult employability, e-learning, adult education, BrazilAbstract
This thematic literature review examines the relationship between online English learning and adult employability in Brazil within the context of digital transformation and labor-market restructuring. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies and institutional reports published between 2020-2025, the review synthesizes findings across four interrelated themes: flexibility and accessibility of online English learning; language development, learner autonomy, and engagement; links between English proficiency and employability outcomes; and structural barriers related to digital inequality and program quality. The reviewed literature suggests that online English learning can enhance adults' communicative competence, confidence, and perceived employability, particularly in sectors associated with internationalization, technology, and remote work. However, benefits are unevenly distributed, as access to digital infrastructure, prior educational background, and socioeconomic conditions significantly mediate outcomes. Moreover, the predominance of self-reported employability measures limits causal inference. This review contributes a Brazil-focused thematic synthesis that situates online English learning within broader debates on employability, adult education, and digital inequality, and identifies priorities for policy development and future research aimed at promoting more equitable workforce participation.
References
Cetic.br & UNESCO. (2023). Classes C and DE Drive Growth in Internet Connectivity in Brazilian Households, Shows ICT Households 2023. https://tinyurl.com/muyb3pzn
Conexão. (2024, Sept 7). How Brazilian IT Professionals Can Get Remote Jobs Abroad (2024). Conexão. https://tinyurl.com/n4mf5bmn
Council, B. (2014). Learning English in Brazil: Understanding the aims and expectations of the Brazilian emerging middle classes. São Paulo: British Council. https://www.britishcouncil.org.br/sites/default/files/learning_english_in_brazil.pdf
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Janna Ria Camba Umezaki, Janette Basco-Igot, Mc Chem E. Dorado
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Open Access. This article, published by JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). You are free to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material). Under the following terms, you must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
